The Archives of Dermatology publishes information concerning the skin, its diseases, and their treatment. Its mission is to explicate the structure and function of the skin and its diseases and the art of using this information to deliver optimal care to the patient. We attempt to enhance the understanding of cutaneous pathophysiology and improve the clinician's ability to diagnosetreat skin disorders. This journal has a particular interest in publishing clinical and laboratory studies that reveal new information pertinent to the interests and needs of the clinical dermatologist. We believe that knowledge derived from well-designed clinical trials and studies of costeffectiveness are especially important for improving the practice of dermatology. Studies that increase the understanding of the outcome of treatment or the means by which the burden of dermatologie disease can be measured and reduced or promote the health of patients with skin disease will receive special priority.